The Oregon Natural Resources Report - Agricultural News from Oregon

Support the Columbia River Dams

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Bonneville Power Administration are planning to make changes to the Columbia River System operations. The Columbia River System consists of 14 different federal projects in the Columbia Basin, including the Columbia River dams. When completed, the plan will contain a range of management alternatives to the Columbia River System that could greatly impact the viability of agriculture within the Pacific Northwest. As part of the planning process, the agencies are soliciting public comment from stakeholders so that they can identify the important economic and social values of the Columbia River System.

It is imperative that agriculture make its voice heard in this process. The agencies need to hear from irrigators in the Columbia Basin, and farmers across the state, about how the Columbia River System and various federal projects in the Basin benefit Oregon’s agricultural economy. Whether it be the navigation, irrigation, or energy benefits the dams bring, the operation of the dams are critical to Oregon Ag.